Cody Rhodes Takes on Challenges Head-On

Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Champion, has been handling challengers with determination. Recently, he urged SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to schedule a match against Gunther and Sami Zayn at Night of Champions, aiming to resolve their ongoing conflicts.

The match was set, and Rhodes was prepared to defend his title against two persistent rivals. This all unfolded after some unexpected events kicked off “Friday Night SmackDown.”

During Gunther’s championship match against Rhodes, Zayn stepped in as a guest referee at Gunther’s request. In the thick of the action, Zayn intervened to break a submission hold, which didn’t sit well with Gunther, leading to a chaotic turn of events.

Gunther responded with a powerbomb attempt on Rhodes and made a pin cover. However, Zayn pulled the new referee out of the ring, much to Gunther’s dismay. As the struggle continued, a sunset flip attempt by Rhodes didn’t yield the desired result, but Zayn’s distraction allowed Rhodes to pin Gunther, securing his win with some help from a quick referee count.

Subsequently, arguments broke out between Zayn and Aldis backstage. Gunther demanded a rematch, and tensions grew. Zayn ended up hitting Gunther with the title belt, resulting in a disqualification. Incidentally, he might have unintentionally knocked out Rhodes in the process.

Aldis was clearly frustrated with Zayn’s actions, but Zayn reminded him that he had initially wanted him as the referee. Zayn insisted the match had been fair until Gunther’s interference. Rhodes ultimately suggested to Aldis that a triple threat match at Night of Champions would be beneficial.

The King and Queen of the Ring Finals Set

In another highlight, Jey Uso and Jevon Evans had a heated exchange behind the scenes prior to their match. Uso, a seasoned veteran eager to reclaim his status, faced off against the determined rookie Evans for a chance in the King of the Ring finals.

Uso emerged victorious in a match that didn’t require intervention from The Bloodline or Solo Sikoa, securing his place to challenge Oba Femi for the title at Night of Champions.

Meanwhile, Liv Morgan clashed with Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring semifinals. Although Flair had the upper hand initially, Jade Cargill and her group caused a distraction that tilted the odds in favor of Morgan. Focusing on Flair’s knee, Morgan executed the Oblivion but failed to secure a pin. Eventually, she managed to force Flair to tap out and advance to the finals where she will face Iyo Sky. With this, Morgan inches closer to a title shot against Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Match Results from SmackDown

Cody Rhodes (c) def. Gunther to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Gunther def. Cody Rhodes via DQ.

Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) def. Tara Tonga and Tama Tonga to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.

Ricky Saints def. Carmelo Hayes, becoming the No. 1 contender for the U.S. Championship.

Jey Uso def. Jevon Evans in the King of the Ring Tournament.

Liv Morgan def. Charlotte Flair in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.